In the MLS, Tim Cahill found the back of the net for the New York Red Bulls in their 4-0 thumping of Montreal Impact. Cahill, who continued in a central midfield role, scored his side’s third goal on 63 minutes with a diving header from Thierry Henry’s corner. Cahill nearly made it a brace on 84 minutes but his header from Henry’s cross struck the cross-bar.

In Japan, Josh Kennedy found the back of the net as Nagoya Grampus beat Sagan Tosu 3-2. Kennedy opened the scoring on 12 minutes in the crucial win for Nagoya, which sees them move 5 points clear of the relegation zone. 

In the Chinese Super League, Daniel McBreen found the back of the net for Shanghai SIPG as they beat Guizhou Renhe 3-0. McBreen opened the scoring on 9 minutes after getting on the end of a long ball and finishing well past Zhang Lie. The on-loan Mariners striker was a constant threat in the second half, setting up numerous opportunities for his side and it was his through ball on 90 minutes which stretched the margin to 3-0, as ‘keeper Lie made a hash of clearing McBreen’s pass, leaving Luis Cabezas with the simple task of tapping home to the unguarded goal.

Jonas Salley played a full game in defence for Guizhou and scored an unfortunate own goal on 13 minutes, diverting Lu Wenjen’s cross past his own ‘keeper. Bernie Ibini was an unused substitute for Shanghai SIPG.

Erik Paartalu played a full game in midfield as Tiajin Teda moved out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 win over Liaoning Whowin. Paartalu played a role in the game’s opener on 22 minutes with an incisive pass to send Lu Wei clear with the Chinese midfielder picking out Carmelo Valencia who tapped home.

Ryan McGowan played a full game in defence as Shandong Luneng maintained second spot with a 3-2 win over struggling Changchun Yatai. Matt McKay started and played 66 minutes for Changchun in the clash.

Daniel Mullen played 90 minutes as Dalian Aerbin conceded a late goal to draw 3-3 with Qingdao Jonoon.

Michael Marrone returned from injury, starting and playing 61 minutes in Shanghai Shenxin’s 2-0 loss to rivals Shanghai Shenhua. Marrone was pulled out of position for Shenhua’s first goal on 11 minutes before the former Melbourne Heart right-back was bedazzled by a stunning individual goal from Boxuan Song. The Chinese midfielder waltzed around Marrone before firing a bullet into the bottom right corner just before half time.

Elsewhere, Rostyn Griffiths was absent from the match-day squad through injury as Guangzhou R&F hammered Hangzhou 4-1.

In South Korea, in form defender Alex Wilkinson played 90 minutes as Jeonbuk Motors jumped to fourth following a 2-1 win over Busan I’Park.

Luke Devere was an unused substitute as Gyeongnam drew 1-1 with Gangwon FC. Devere was dropped to the bench following an poor performance last week. Brendan Hamill was absent from the Gangwon match-day squad.

Both Eddy Bosnar & Adrian Madaschi were absent from their respective sides as Bosnar’s Suwon Bluewings beat Madaschi’s Jeju United 2-1, while Nathan Burns missed Incheon United’s 2-1 win over Daegu FC.

Elsewhere, Robert Cornthwaite was absent from the match-day squad as Chunnam Dragons lost 2-1 to FC Seoul. Cornthwaite was rested following a midweek game in stifling conditions.

In Russia, Luke Wilkshire played a full game as Dinamo Moscow opened their season with a 2-2 draw against Volga N.Novgorod.

In Croatia, Steven Lustica was an 86th minute substitute as Hajduk Split began their league campaign with a 5-1 thumping of Zadar. 

In Austria, James Holland played a full game in midfield as Austria Wien progressed through to the second round of the OFB Cup with a 3-0 win over third-tier SV Oberwart.

In Switzerland, Oliver Bozanic made his debut, starting and playing 78 minutes in midfield as FC Luzern beat Lausanne-Sport 2-0.

Finally in Ireland, Mark Griffin was a 78th minute substitute as Derry City lost 2-1 to Shamrock Rovers.